Stephens College - Stephens Traditions

Stephens Traditions

Campus traditions at Stephens provide a bond between past and present students. Some traditions have changed to fit changing times, some traditions are very old, and some annual events may be traditions-in-the-making.

Alumnae Reunion At Alumnae Reunion, the President of the Alumnae Association passes a lit candle to a representative of the Senior Class symbolizing the passage from undergraduate years to alumnae responsibilities.

Commencement Since 1976, each senior passes a secret gift to the President when she shakes hands and receives her degree.

Door Slam Door Slam is a special time signaling the beginning of “dead week” and 24-hour quiet hours during final exams.

Midnight Breakfast Midnight Breakfast is held once every semester during final exams. To show support and encouragement to students up late studying, the campus dining hall opens up for several hours late in the evening to serve a full breakfast as a break from the stress. Traditionally the school brings in a D.J. and also sets up a dance floor to allow students to loosen up, eat, and refresh their minds and bodies for the upcoming tests. Each student is allowed to bring a guest of their choice, and several games and activities are including during the evening. The two on campus sororities Sigma Sigma Sigma and Kappa Delta provide a 'car bash' fundraiser.

Many other annual campus events are traditions in-the-making: President’s Leadership Seminar, Roblee Lecture Series, fashion show, Prince of Wales Club horse show, senior art show, spring dance concert, RA appreciation day, residence hall un-birthday parties, Black History Month, Spring/Fall Choral Concert, Midnight Mortar Board initiation, the roommate game and many more.

Ghost of Senior Hall The Ghost of Senior Hall is a Civil War tale of a wounded soldier nursed back to health by a student in Senior Hall. Unfortunately the soldier was discovered and executed on campus to discourage any further incidents. The student is said to have committed suicide due to her heart break in the old bell tower located near the Senior Hall. Legend says that every Halloween their ghosts return to the hall to mourn their unrequited love.

Honors Convocation Honors Convocation, held each spring, provides an opportunity to honor excellence in many ways. Traditional awards given include: excellence in teaching and advising, Trustees Awards including the Senior Capstone Award, announcement of Mortar Board members, Century Candle Award, Alpha Lambda Delta Book Award, departmental honors and scholarships, Outstanding Resident Assistant and Resident Director, Student Body President, SGA Outstanding Student Leadership Award, Ten Ideals and others.